New Zealand epitomises contrasting scenery and culture and is an ideal country for adventure travel. Explore both islands as you weave your way through New Zealand on this active trip, visiting all the main highlights and many off-the-beaten-track attractions. Maximise your time in out of the way places and yet still marvel at the iconic destinations. Enjoy true wilderness campsites followed by comfortable lodges. Trek through Jurassic-like rainforest, kayak with fur seals, hike along a glacier, climb up volcanic peaks and enjoy fish and chips on the beach. It's this mix which makes New Zealand extraordinary - it's majestic but down to earth, otherworldly yet reassuringly familiar. A range of activities from whitewater rafting to sea kayaking and glacier walking complement the hikes superbly and keep this tour as diverse and exciting as the landscapes travelled!

Walk profile

Daily distance in km/miles:

Day 2

8.0km/5.0miles

Day 4

12.0km/7.5miles

Day 5

13.0km/8.1miles

Day 7

3.0km/1.9miles

Day 8

3.0km/1.9miles

Day 9

4.5km/2.8miles

Day 10

4.5km/2.8miles

Day 11

8.0km/5.0miles

Day 12

10.0km/6.2miles

Day 13

9.0km/5.6miles

Day 15

9.0km/5.6miles

Day 16

5.0km/3.1miles

Day 17

7.0km/4.3miles

Day 18

5.0km/3.1miles

Day 19

4.0km/2.5miles

Number of days walking: 12

Pace: Approximately 3-5hrs walking per day plus 2 longer days of 5-6hrs each

Itinerary

Show detailed itinerary

1Day 1Start Auckland Hotel

Start Auckland; afternoon free to relax at your central hotel or wander the downtown to get your bearings in New Zealand's largest city. Catch a ferry to Devonport or clamber up the Mt Eden volcanic cone to get panoramic views of the city and its bright blue harbours and gain a sense of the city’s complex volcanic past.See more images and videos

2Day 2Auckland to Rotorua

We depart Auckland and head south through the dairy farming plains of the Thames Valley before passing over old ignimbrite flows to reach Lake Rotorua with its stunning crater lakes and volcanoes. We savour a picnic lunch sitting on the beach of Lake Tarawera - an ancient caldera crater amongst forest and volcanoes. In the afternoon we enjoy a bush walk along a good trail alongside this splendid lake - there are plenty of great swimming spots. Sample good kiwi kai (food) with an evening meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants in Rotorua. 3 hours walking. See more images and videos

3Day 3Rotorua to Taupo via Whirinaki Rainforest

En-route to the Whirinaki we visit Waiotapu Thermal Reserve, where you can walk at your own pace through this fascinating thermal wonderland of geysers, bubbling mud, steaming ground, expansive vistas, huge volcanic craters and sinter terrace formations. From here it is a 2-hour drive to the Jurassic-like rainforest of Whirinaki Forest Park. This park covers an area of 60,000 hectares and is famous for its podocarp trees, an ancient off-shoot of the conifer family that evolved before flowering plants. It is thought that forests like this once covered the super-continent of Gondwanaland more than 150 million years ago. This is where the BBC ‘Walking with Dinosaurs’ series was filmed. Step back in time as you hike amongst weeping ferns, forest giants and rare birdlife. On our way back to the vehicle we keep an eye out for the rare Blue Duck that are sometimes seen in this river.
We drive on to Taupo, situated on the shores of the largest lake in New Zealand. The lake was formed by a series of massive volcanic eruptions over the last 2000 years. We'll visit Huka Falls before arriving at our lakeside accommodation.
3 hours hiking. See more images and videos

4Day 4Taupo to Tongariro Volcanoes

Seize the day with a morning dip in Lake Taupo before the short 1-hour drive around the shores to Tongariro National Park. Established in 1887, it was New Zealand's first National Park, gifted to the people of New Zealand by a Maori chief (Tukino Te Hue Hue) who saw this as a way of protecting the tapu (respect or sacredness) of the land - in particular the summits of the active volcanoes. It is also a dual World Heritage Area, a status which recognises the park's important Maori cultural and spiritual associations as well as its outstanding volcanic features. We hike through waving tussock-grasslands between the volcanoes to a hut set in an enclave of native beech forest. It was here that the great battles from Lord of the Rings were filmed. We then traverse up across stony deserts to an alpine hut perched on the toe of an old lava flow. From this hut there are fantastic views of the three main volcanic peaks in the park. The sunrises here are spectacular. We generally stay in the huts but very occasionally camp nearby. Everyone in the group carries a bit of the group food and cooking equipment for the overnight hikes. Sometimes, usually for weather reasons, we may do this hike in reverse. 5 hours hiking.See more images and videos

5Day 5Tongariro World Heritage Area

We hike gently up through a moon-like valley of contorted lava flows and ash fields before climbing up the last steep section to the Emerald Lakes - our usual lunch stop. All around this scarlet moonscape are turquoise and blue-green crater lakes, adding their surreal colours to the landscape. We cross this volcanic range before descending on the western side. In good conditions there is an option to climb one of the lower volcanic peaks. This is a tough walk and will challenge even the fittest of walkers.
An evening drive takes us to a lodge beside the park with great views of the volcanoes.
5 to 8 hours hiking. See more images and videos

6Day 6Tongariro Volcanoes to Wellington

This morning we drive to Wellington, arriving in the early afternoon. Wellington is New Zealand’s wonderful harbour capital. The giant fault-created harbour almost encircled by steep suburbs gives it a giant coliseum feel. You have free time to enjoy walking around the central city and absorb the lively atmosphere. Wellington is well known for its vibrant café, art and culture scenes. There is no shortage of places to have a coffee or a drink - with more bars, cafes and restaurants per capita than New York. You may like to visit the museum of New Zealand, called Te Papa, or the beehive (Parliament House).See more images and videos

7Day 7Wellington to Abel Tasman N.P.

After breakfast we transfer to Wellington airport for the 35-minute flight across the Cook Strait to the South Island. Here we meet our South Island-based guide. On our drive through to Abel Tasman National Park we have afternoon tea by the deep, crystal clear pools of the Pelorus River. Abel Tasman’s wilderness flows unhindered to a coast of golden beaches and granite headlands; there are no roads here - just boat and walking access. We hail a water taxi to reach the lovely Onetahuti Beach in the heart of the park. Star gaze from our tranquil campsite and fall asleep to the sounds of the ocean.See more images and videos

8Day 8Abel Tasman N.P. to Murchison

You have the option today to kayak, walk or simply relax in this incredible location. A local guide will take kayakers on a paddling trip exploring bush fringed lagoons, idyllic bays and rocky headlands where fur seals can be seen. Those not kayaking can explore some excellent walking trails to many beautiful beaches before we all take a water taxi out of the park. We spend the night in Murchison, a quiet rural town on the edge of the wilds. This is the north eastern limit of the vast wilderness ranges and rivers that dominate much of the South Island. 3.5 hours kayaking (optional).See more images and videos

9Day 9Buller to Paparoa N.P.

This morning we drive west beside the mighty Buller River to the rugged West Coast. At Cape Foulwind we take a short walk to view a seal colony. The New Zealand fur seal pups are born in December and January. We might see the young pups frolicking around in rockpools sheltered from the heaving waves that pound this part of the coast. After lunch we start an overnight hike in Paparoa National Park. Amongst the largest remaining tract of coastal native forest in New Zealand are towering limestone cliffs, caves and rivers - an ideal area for hiking. Starting at the mouth of the Fox River, we take a historic pack-horse route to Dilemma Creek, and then follow the river upwards to the Ballroom Overhang where we spend the night. Your guide will show you river crossing techniques and you will be thankful for your proper hiking boots, which are essential in this terrain. The Ballroom is a large limestone overhang which shelters a serene campsite just above the Fox River. The evening is spent sitting around the campfire and enjoying a delicious meal. 3 hours hiking. See more images and videos

10Day 10Paparoa N.P. to Fox Glacier

After a leisurely breakfast we hike back down the Fox River before driving south along the coast to Punakaiki and the Pancake Rocks. These 30-million-year-old limestone rocks have formed immense features with thousands of layers. Continuing south, we stop at Hokitika. Originally known as the 'Capital of the Goldfields', Hokitika was once a thriving and prosperous port. Much of its old character remains and it is now a major centre for greenstone (pounamu) or jade. This hard stone is treasured by the Maori who used it for decorative jewellery and for carving some of their lethal weapons – the war clubs known as meres. From Hokitika we continue south to Fox Glacier, one of the few places in the world where you will see glaciers descending into the level of the rainforest. 4 hours hiking.See more images and videos

11Day 11Fox Glacier to Makarora

Today you have the opportunity to take a guided hike (~NZ$134) on Fox Glacier - situated in the South Westland World Heritage Area. This dynamic glacier falls 2600m over 13kms as it makes its journey from high in the Southern Alps to temperate rainforest just 250m above sea level. Your glacier guide will lead you on a walk following ice steps cut by the guides. The route takes you onto the ice amongst crevasses and ice ridges and leads you onto the middle of the glacier for spectacular views of the icefall and lower glacier.
After we return from the hike we drive on to Makarora crossing back over the Southern Alps en route at Haast Pass. On the way we stop at Ship Creek to look out for Hector’s Dolphins, the world's smallest marine dolphin that is only found in NZ inshore waters. Tonight we stay in cabins right on the doorstep to Mt Aspiring National Park. There is an option of a restaurant or self catering for dinner.
Half day glacier hike is only available subject to glacier conditions. Your guide will update you at the start of the trip on current glacier conditions. Optional 4 hours glacier hiking.See more images and videos

12Day 12Makarora to Siberia Hut

We start the day by boarding a helicopter for an extraordinary flight around the ice carved mountains and glaciers of the World Heritage Area, Mount Aspiring National Park. We land in the remote Siberia Valley. Just upstream from our landing site is Siberia Hut, which will be our home for the night. We leave any surplus gear here (sleeping bags etc) and head off for a hike up to Lake Crucible. This challenging hike takes us even further into the awe-inspiring mountains of Mt Aspiring National Park and right up to the shores of an old glacial lake at the foot of Mt Alba. Set at 1172m this lake often stays frozen well into the summer, so you may prefer to save your swim for the river! In late spring this valley is dotted with the large white and yellow flowers of the Mt Cook lily. After lunch we make our way back down the valley to the Siberia Hut. Together we prepare a tasty meal, before relaxing on the verandah gazing at the southern stars with the freedom from light pollution. Enjoy the wonderful peace and quiet that goes with spending a night in the wilderness.See more images and videos

13Day 13Siberia Hut and Jet boat; Queenstown

Head down the valley - sidling above the Siberia River. We gain spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls of the lower Siberia Valley. A jetboat picks us up at the confluence of the Siberia and Wilkin valleys and carries us on a thrilling 45 minute journey downstream to Makarora. After lunch we drive beside the milky turquoise Lake Wanaka and over the golden tussocks of the Crown Range, stopping off at the historic Cardrona Hotel for a drink before arriving in Queenstown in the late afternoon.
4 hours hiking.See more images and videos

14Day 14Queenstown

Labelled the adrenalin capital of New Zealand, Queenstown offers the chance to sample many adventure activities - skydiving, bungy jumping and white water rafting, to name just a few. You may choose to sit back, relax and take in the amazing views from the shores of Lake Wakatipu on this free day. There are also some great day walks (some up to eight hours) that leave from this bustling little town. Your guide will outline all the options on how to make the most of your day.See more images and videos

15Day 15Queenstown to Fiordland N.P.

We head into Fiordland National Park - World Heritage Area that is the largest National Park in New Zealand. The huge glacial lakes of Te Anau and Manapouri are the border of Fiordland’s dramatic inland coast. The area is dominated by water, either in the form of lakes, ocean fiords or as falling rain – which has enabled the establishment of temperate rainforest. We hike to Key Summit (the tail end of the renowned Routeburn track) for fantastic views across to the gneiss and granite Darren Mountains. We stay the night in the eclectic historic cabins at the 'Hollyford Valley Camp'. The late Davey Gunn, who was one of the first people to guide on the Hollyford Track set up the camp; he also farmed cattle in the area until the 1950's when the valley became a National Park and the cattle were driven out. There is a quirky museum with a great collection of relics from days gone by. 3 hours hiking.See more images and videos

16Day 16Milford Sound to Te Anau

We rise early and drive through the Homer Tunnel and down to Milford Sound itself. Here we have the option to take a cruise (~ NZ$82) on the fjord with its cascading waterfalls and views of Mitre Peak (1722m). Fiordland crested penguins and New Zealand fur seals often play near the boat. On the drive south to Te Anau we pass through the stunning Eglinton Valley, one of the only road-accessible valleys in Fiordland National Park.
Optional 2 hour boat cruise.See more images and videos

17Day 17Te Anau to Mt. Cook N.P.

Central Otago’s high country landscape contains some of New Zealand's largest high country sheep stations, many measuring tens of thousands of hectares – Pategonian-like in size and splendour. Crossing Lindis Pass we continue through the MacKenzie country to the shores of Lake Pukaki and then west to Aoraki/Mt Cook (3754m). An afternoon hike takes us to a stunning view point of the Hooker Glacier and terminal lake. Icebergs float in the lake and the steep crumbling moraine walls beneath the icy peaks provide a dramatic backdrop.
4 hours hiking.See more images and videos

18Day 18Mt. Cook N.P.

Today we hike up the Mueller Ridge via Sealy Tarns, with awesome views of Mt Cook and Mt Tasman (the two highest peaks in New Zealand) and Mueller Glacier with its terminal meltwater lakes. There is time in the afternoon to take another hike up to the Red Tarns, or alternatively take a stroll around the village and visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center. 5 hours hiking.See more images and videos

19Day 19Tasman Valley to Christchurch

Time for one final hike this morning, as we explore the nearby Tasman Valley, a stunning area of alpine vistas, lakes and glacial morraines. Leaving Mt Cook we continue north through the MacKenzie country, taking a break at Lake Tekapo - aqua blue waters framed by the Southern Alps. Tekapo is filled by glacially fed rivers which deposit tons of glacial flour (finely ground rock) into the lake; this flour is so fine that it is suspended in the water and refracts the light giving the lake a stunning colour. After crossing the Canterbury plains we arrive in Christchurch in the mid afternoon, and here the trip concludes after 3 weeks of hiking through volcanoes, thermal wonderlands, rainforests, glaciers and remote mountain valleys. We generally dine out this evening and celebrate our trip together. 2 hours hiking.See more images and videos

Hotels, Lodges & Cabins and Camping

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
Citizens of the United Kingdom, most EU countries, USA, Canada, Australia and South Africa do not currently require a visa to travel to New Zealand.
TRAVELLING VIA THE USA
If you are travelling via the USA (even for transit) and are eligible to transit under the Visa Waiver Programme (most British citizens with a machine readable passport), you are now required to register in advance for an Electronic Travel Authority (ESTA). There is a USD14 charge for the ESTA, which is only payable online with a credit card. Please see the FCO website for further information. All other non-residents passing through the US must get a visa in advance.
There are no specific health risks. Holiday style

Treks vary in length and terrain: half day to full day, well formed tracks to remote valleys. Away from the tourist areas, tracks can become slippery and rough and there are a number of river crossings (your boots will get wet!).
We hike together as a group stopping for lunch and regular snacks. On hiking days we average 3-5 hours a day, with the longest day being 5-6 hours walking, not including rests.
On the day walks you will need a small (30) litre day pack, however on the overnight hikes you will need to carry your own sleeping bag, clothing and a share of the group equipment so a larger (50 litre) pack is required. For the overnight hikes expect packs to weigh up to 12kgs.

Eating & drinking

The itinerary includes 16 breakfasts, 17 lunches and 7 dinners. Usually the group and the guide prepare the meals together as many of the meals are picnic style lunches or dinners. Breakfasts are generally buffet/continental style; lunches are sandwiches, salads and fruit. The evening meals prepared in the backcountry are a little more basic for practical reasons, but still flavoursome and nutritious (mainly vegetarian). Please note: food for lunches and dinner will be purchased during the tour by your leader, and you may be asked to help with this.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including
detailed itinerary and full kit list

Weather & seasonality

Weather in New Zealand is very changeable throughout the year and all months are moderately wet. Fine sunny spells can happen at any time of year but the departures have been timed to coincide with the best chance of good weather; although you should come prepared for rain. The temperature in Auckland will vary from approx. 11-23C (min-max) from October-March however it will be slightly cooler in October. The weather on the South Island will be slightly cooler with a range of temperatures of approx. 7-20degC (min-max). As New Zealand is in the Southern Hemisphere the seasons are opposite to those in the UK. Summer runs from December to February, spring September to November and autumn March to May.

Gallery

Reviews & community

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

What to choose! Camping on the beach at Abel Tasman was beautiful, big sky, stunning sunset and dawn. The Red quarry on the Tongariro crossing was the most amazing sight, the colours in the rocks unlike anything I've ever seen, then there was Lake Crucible, the refelction of the glacier so clear and sharp. I guess if I had to choose one, the sky dive over Queenstown was the most spectacular experience, we were blessed with a clear, bright day, making the views quite magical.

What did you think of your group leader?

Both guides were brilliant, Graham on North Island and Chris on South. They both delivered beyond the expectations and were extremely knowlegable and passionate about their country. Changing the itinerary at short notice due to adverse weather was much appreciated and made for a very enjoyable final day. Chris's Dad, supplier of delicious birthday cakes, much appreciated too.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

This is a very full on trip, you need to be quite organised packing and unpacking every night. It is absolutely worth the long flight and a fantasitc way to see a lot of New Zealand and I would do advise doing all the activities and options on offer, it's that kind of place!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Hiking New Zealand were fab hosts and could not have done more to ensure the best possible experience.

A well-organised, varied and very enjoyable trip with great leaders and nice group members which did what it said on the tin. A good mix of travel and walking and other outdoor activities - a perfect first taste of NZ.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Difficult to say - the immediate immersion into the relaxed NZ vibe after the stresses of the UK pre-Christmas rush, the amazing volcanic landscapes round Rotorua, fabulous lake-side accommodation at Lake Taupo, the bizarre lunar landscape on the Tongariro crossing, the remote windswept beaches of the west coast of South Island, the lush greenery and deep inlets of Fjordland, the majesty of (unfortunately mist-shrouded) Mount Cook - the list goes on.

What did you think of your group leader?

Graham and Chris (respective group leaders for North and South Island parts of the trip) were both very capable and efficient as well as being friendly, impeturbable and very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna and history of NZ. They worked really hard to ensure we had the best holiday possible and to facilitate group members contributing as well ot the experience. I really don't think they could have done any more than they did and indeed they exceeded our expectations e.g. Chris invited us to his house for a buffet lunch on Christmas Day.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you want to get a general overview of New Zealand in as short a time as realistically possible, with a bit of walking and other outdoor activities throughout, I can highly recommend this trip.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I understand that Exodus is thinking about changing the local agent, Trek New Zealand. From my experience Trek New Zealand provide a really excellent service which leads to satisfied clients who will therefore be more inclined to go on other Exodus trips. So changing the local agent could prove to be a false economy.

An absolutely brilliant three weeks in the most wonderful country. Everything as described in the trip notes, and more.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Difficult to decide, but some of the highlights were the trip up to Abel Tasman NP, including camping on the beach - watching the sun set across the water, then seeing the southern night sky in all its glory; the helicopter flight in Mt Aspiring NP and the next day a very welcome lift back down the final stretch of river by jet boat, after a 7 hour hike; the stupendous scenery around Mt Cook; and paragliding from 1400m up in Queenstown. And not forgetting rainforests, thermal springs, kiwis, active volcanoes, glaciers and fjords...

What did you think of your group leader?

On North Island leader Kath - what a character! Really knowledgeable and upbeat even in the face of 50mph winds, hail, sleet and snow on the Tongariro crossing.

Chris - great guy too. Arranged for the sun to shine the entire two weeks on South Island and even managed to produce home made scones when we arrived!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

UK citizens need an ESTA visa if transitting via the US (return flight was via Los Angeles) - the Exodus office didn't know this for sure. Anyway it's easy to obtain online - I did it while in NZ.

The weather in NZ (see earlier comment above) really can be "all four seasons in a day" - temperatures we encountered varied from freezing to 30 degrees - pack accordingly but try to travel as light as possible as you'll constantly be packing and repacking.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Despite the long walks I don't think I lost weight - the Kiwis like to serve generous portions of food. Great bunch of people in our group - we even won the Mt Cook pub quiz!

At the beginning, I did wonder what I'd got myself into when I found out I was sharing with a guy who'd bagged all the Monros in Scotland and been up Everest (hi Pete!) but, as a not particularly fit 54 year old, I had a blast.

In conclusion, if you are at all considering this trip, just go for it!

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

When is the best time to go to New Zealand?

There is no bad time really, but the weather can play and important role. Weather in New Zealand is very changeable throughout the year and all months are moderately wet. Fine sunny spells can happen at any time of year but the departures have been timed to coincide with the best chance of good weather; although you should come prepared for rain. The temperature in Auckland will vary from approximately 11-30C (minmax) from October-March however it will be slightly cooler in October. The weather on the South Island will be slightly cooler with a range of temperatures of approx 7-20C (min-max).

Rebecca Caldicott - Customer Operations

Do we need a visa for New Zealand?

Citizens of the United Kingdom, most EU countries, USA, Canada, Australia and South Africa do not currently require a visa to travel to New Zealand. If in doubt, check with the nearest embassy or contact Exodus.

Rebecca Caldicott - Customer Operations

Will jet lag be a problem?

A lot of people give themselves an extra day or two on the way out to combat any ill effects from the long flight, but you will have plenty of time to rest when you arrive (if you would prefer to do so) so it shouldn't cause any major problems! If you'd like to have flights on different dates, just let Exodus know.

Emma Garrick - Product Manager

I'm travelling via the US, do I need a visa?

Most clients are eligible to travel via the US under the US Visa Waiver Programme, however to do this you must register for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority). This must be done prior to departure - more details can be found at www.exodus.co.uk/usvisa.

Rebecca Caldicott - Customer Operations

Exodus staff - expertise on hand to help

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!

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